Inform consumers and producers about food choices and how to reduce food waste

Policies should aim to reduce food waste along supply chains, from farms and farmers through transport and retail practices, to consumers. Cutting food waste could help reduce emissions, although policy must address the trade-offs, such as lost income to farmers. Where access to sufficient protein is not an issue, policies to promote lower-emission food choices may also help, such as encouraging more plant-based food choices or shifting to sourcing from lower-emission livestock systems.

Educational measures, such as information campaigns for producers, are important, along with adequate infrastructure, such as storage facilities, and legal frameworks, for instance to facilitate collaboration between local entities and charities. Information campaigns can also help consumers cut waste by encouraging them to choose, store and prepare food properly.

EXPLORE FURTHER

Video: Is eating local better for the environment?

Paper: Overcoming evidence gaps on food systems (2021)

Report: Agricultural Outlook 2021 (2021)

Report: Enhancing Climate Change Mitigation through Agriculture (2019)